Summary: Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for October 10, 2012 is: lenticular \len-TIK-yuh-ler\ adjective 1 : having the shape of a double-convex lens 2 : of or relating to a lens 3 : provided with or utilizing lenticules Examples: Amateur astronomers might be interested in what the observatory markets as the "largest lenticular telescope on Earth." "Recently installed in the tunnel was a lenticular motion mural consisting of 135 individual 8-inch tiles with ribbed lenses created by world renowned Boston artist Rufus Butler Seder." From an article by N. Kirsch in the Belleville News-Democrat (Illinois), June 24, 2012 Did you know? "Lentil-shaped"that's the meaning of "lenticularis," the Latin word that gave us today's word. It's an appropriate predecessor because a double-convex lens is one that is curved on both sides, giving it a shape similar to that of a lentil. English speakers borrowed the Latin term, adapting it to "lenticular," in the 15th century. "Lenticularis," in turn, derives from "lenticula," which is the source of the English word "lentil" and a diminutive of the Latin form "lent-, lens," meaning "lentil." You probably won't be too surprised to learn that "lent-, lens" also gave English the word "lens."
